50th Anniversary

50 years of Westminster Park Community Centre

This year we celebrate the 50^th Anniversary of the official opening of the community centre! The Community Association was formed in March 1970 who organised many activities including badminton, keep fit, and children’s dancing. They found that it became increasingly obvious that many activities could not be catered for purely because of a lack of suitable location. In order for the Community Association to continue their work and cater for the ever-changing population at the time it was necessary for them to have their own building with the plan that it would be the focal point in Westminster Park.

Jackie Vellenoweth was the first secretary who had the vision and energy to get the project of opening a community centre off the ground. Original documentation show the passion and determination Jackie had to provide a community centre for the people of Westminster Park.

The land in which the community centre sits upon was donated by the Duke of Westminster. In order to build the community centre money was donated by contractors, the council, the Royal Air Force and not forgetting all of the local residents who bought a brick. Planning approval to build the community centre was granted on 12^th October 1971 and was officially opened by Lady Jane Grosvenor on Saturday, 22^nd September 1973. The sign dedicated to the opening by Lady Jane Grosvenor can still be seen today within the bar area. The community centre is a charity which was set up specifically for the benefit of the residents of Westminster Park. The community centre was and still is used for many events in the area as well as housing Belgrave Preschool which opened in 1973 and is still thriving to this very day.

The community centre was a magnet for local people with many locals gathering on Christmas day, bringing one of their presents from under the tree to open together followed by playing football on the field. Bonfire night was also a big celebration each year. Each and every evening the centre was full of activity, thriving with many locals meeting for a drink.

The community centre had a huge input from the Royal Air Force personal who lived in the area who voluntarily ran the bar. Around the time of the early 80’s a steward named Jill ran the community centre backed by a committee. When Jill sadly died the running of the community centre reverted back to being ran solely by a committee of volunteers.

Over the years there has been input from many generous people both in terms of giving up their time and financially. One being Les Bennet. When Les passed away he left money to the community centre which amongst over things the bell that still hangs in the bar today was purchased (1981). In Les’s memory we have the Les Bennett Trophy. Activities for the trophy have included carpet bowels, dominos, cribbage and darts.

Many locals will also remember Fred Wright. Fred helped the community centre significantly from the early 2000’s until his death in 2014. In Fred’s memory we have the Fred Wright cup for darts. Fred’s wife Carol chooses each year what area of the Countess of Chester to donate the money raised to.

Fast forward the present day the community centre’s ethos is still the same which is to benefit the residents of Westminster Parks. The community centre remains voluntarily ran, Phil Williamson is the chairman backed by a team of loyal and dedicated people on the committee.

The centre is used to host charity events which raise 1000’s of pounds every year. We have a packed timetable of classes and groups throughout the week. There are all sorts of social activities to get involved with including bingo, quizzes and a thriving darts team. We are delighted to have a new open mic night hosted by local resident Luos. The evening is open to anyone who would like to come and showcase their talents regardless of experience! Please come and support this as you will be surprised what talents we have here in Westminster Park. Keep your eyes peeled for upcoming dates.

There are also lots of activities for children such as discos and a baby and toddler group which is ran on the 2^nd and 4^th Thursday of each month, ran by local resident Holly who will always give you a warm welcome.

The bar is open each evening from 7.30 in addition to Saturdays 11.30-14.00 and Sundays 11.30-15.00. We have a wide range of drinks available and outside seating. Everyone is very welcome to come for a drink at the community centre and we urge you to come and try us out. Children are offered free juice during weekend daytime opening hours and we have a selection of games to keep them entertained.

We continue to host many private events such as birthday parties and christenings and thank you for choosing your community centre to hold your special occasion. If you would like to discuss a booking please call after 19.30pm 7 days a week on 01244 671 243.

In addition to our active Facebook page (Westminster Park Community Centre) we now have a website too in which you can keep up to date with news and upcoming events – wp-cc.org.uk

We are constantly looking for ideas and for help so if you have any ideas or would like to be involved, we would love to hear from you.

Original invitations of the official opening of the community centre